End of an Era: ACN Closes Its Doors

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, February 8, 2013

In an earlier time American Comedy Network was the king of cutting edge and creative morning radio comedy. Classic sketches like "Stevie Nicks: What the Hell Is She Saying," "Merry Christmas James Brown," or "The Shampoo Police" still bring a smile to those who remember the glory days. Sadly, ACN GM Joel Graham wrote a final missive yesterday entitled "A Final Note to Our Valued Customers" which was posted on the company's Facebook page and reprinted below.

"Today I feel a great sense of sadness as American Comedy Network closes the doors for good and we post our final DailyPrep. On behalf of the ACN staff - Darryl Knight, Mark Dahl and Mike Hand - I would like to offer you our sincerest gratitude for trusting ACN and making us part of your show. It has been a distinct pleasure knowing we played a small part in your success and we salute your mission to use every available resource to entertain your audience day in and day out. In the current industry climate that is a challenge and we wish you all the very best moving forward.

American Comedy Network pioneered the radio comedy prep business in June of 1983 when the service was launched by Andy Goodman, "The Real" Bob James, Dale "The Voiceman" Reeves, Michelle George, and David Lawrence. We owe them a huge debt of gratitude for paving the way for the next thirty years.

Along the way, many talented and dedicated individuals contributed to ACN's history. General Managers Maggie Dugan, Cliff Pia, and Kurt Luchs guided the ship well during their tenures. The service thrived thanks to a host of talented writers, performers and producers who have lent their artistry to ACN over the last three decades. Among them: Todd Cummings, Larry Caringer, Nancy Parker, Mike Rosenman, Michael Terry, Ron Jordan, Don DeWolf, Dave Sposito, Chuck Knipp, Dave Van Dam, Jay Hamilton, Jay Brady, Rick Mahmoud, Bill Flowers, Jonathan Biebesheimer, Kevin Holmes, Doug Doescher, Ben Churchill, Pat St. John, Gil Andrews, Ellen Reilly, Amy Phillips, Linda Bruno, Pat Lore, Rick Delgado, Ross Bergman, Theo Wilborn, Rob Carlson, Steve Hornbeck, Doug Mola, Ray Otis, Joe Restivo, Bill Holloman, Steve Koppel, Tony McReynolds, Jack Cone, and many more.

A special thanks must be given to two people in particular. The first is Ed Kelly. Ed's been lending his tremendous vocal ability to ACN since the late 1980s and remained our principal voice talent to this day. Ed Kelly's enormous talent has separated ACN from the competition and it has been a great privilege to sit across the glass from him.

And lastly, I would like to give a special mention to Adrienne Munos. The ACN Sales Goddess made her mark on ACN's legacy perhaps more than any writer, performer, or producer. Anyone who is anyone in the Radio Biz has at one point spoken on the phone with the energetic fireball with the thick Brooklyn accent. That's why we lovingly dub Adrienne as The most Recognized Voice in Morning Radio. Thanks Adrienne for all you've done for ACN. Your passion, dedication, and enthusiasm remain unmatched.

Thanks again to all who made ACN possible and to all of you who were kind enough to make ACN part of your daily routine.

Onward and Upward,

Joel Graham

GM/Creative Director - Former Head Writer/Staff Writer/Producer/Current Voice Talent for American Comedy Network - I've done it all here and loved every minute of it. Thank you for making my dream job possible.